Ubuntu VM using Hyper-V Quick Create feature

How to use Hyper-V Quick Create to install Ubuntu 19.04 on Windows 10

Microsoft Hyper-V now includes an option to quickly create a virtual machine running Ubuntu, and here's how to use the feature.

Although you can install Ubuntu Linux directly into Windows 10 as it was a native app, you can also use a virtual machine to run a full-blown version of any distro of Linux, and if you use Microsoft Hyper-V Manager, now the process is super easy.

Instead of you having to download the Ubuntu ISO and go through the steps to create a virtual machine, the Hyper-V Manager, now includes a new option (via WindowsUnited) to automate the process to get you running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and Ubuntu 19.04 in no time.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to quickly create a virtual machine running the latest version of Ubuntu Linux on Windows 10.

How to create an Ubuntu VM using Hyper-V

To use the Microsoft virtualization technology, you first need to enable Hyper-V and then use the quick create option.

Enabling Hyper-V

Use these steps to enable Hyper-V on Windows 10:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Turn Windows features on or off and click the top result to open the experience.

  3. Check the Hyper-V option.

    Enable Hyper-V on Windows 10
    Enable Hyper-V on Windows 10
  4. Click the OK button.

  5. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, you can proceed to use Quick Create to install Ubuntu Linux in a virtual machine.

Creating Ubuntu virtual machine

Use these steps to quickly create an Ubuntu virtual machine on Windows 10:

  1. Open Hyper-V Manager.

  2. Under the “Hyper-V Manager” section, right-click the computer name, and select the Quick Create option.

    Hyper-V Manager quick create option
    Hyper-V Manager quick create option
  3. Select the Ubuntu version that you want to run.

  4. Click the Create Virtual Machine button.

    Create Ubuntu virtual machine using Hyper-V
    Create Ubuntu virtual machine using Hyper-V

Once you complete the steps, the Hyper-V wizard will proceed to download and create the new virtual machine with the latest version of Ubuntu Linux on your device.

You can now start the virtual machine and complete the setup process like with any installation of Ubuntu.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].